Shanifa Babu, an Indian expat in her late 30s, tragically fell to her death from the balcony of her apartment on the 19th floor in Fujairah. She was married with two daughters and was popular on social media with thousands of followers. At the time of the incident, her mother was visiting her from Dubai. The family friend mentioned that the husband, mother, and children were present in the apartment when the incident occurred. Shanifa’s husband is an entrepreneur with a construction firm in Fujairah, and the couple originally hailed from the southern Indian state of Kerala.
Shanifa was known for her social media presence on Instagram and TikTok, where she had a joint following of over 90,000 followers. She frequently posted funny reels and shared glimpses of her family life. Just days before her death, she posted a reel on TikTok with a caption that read, “Don’t fall in love with me, I will break your heart.” Following the tragic news, messages of condolences flooded social media, with many expressing shock and disbelief at her passing. Her husband, Sanuj Babu, requested prayers for her on Instagram.
The family friend described Shanifa’s family as very loving and friendly, with no signs of discord or arguments. The tragic incident has left the young daughters confused and scared, spending the day at a friend’s house. Social workers are assisting the family with completing the necessary formalities and paperwork. It remains uncertain whether Shanifa will be buried in the UAE or in India. This heartbreaking incident adds to a series of similar incidents in the region, including a teenager in Ajman and a child in Sharjah who died after falling from high-rise buildings.
The details surrounding Shanifa’s death remain unclear, with her mother and husband cooperating with authorities at the police station. Her body is currently at the mortuary of Fujairah Hospital as the family navigates the aftermath of the tragedy. Shanifa’s active presence on social media has left a void in the online community, with many expressing their sorrow and disbelief at her sudden passing. The family friend emphasized the loving nature of the family and expressed heartfelt sympathy for the young daughters who are facing the loss of their mother. Social workers continue to provide support and assistance to the grieving family during this difficult time.
